The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public comment on a draft management plan that will continue public recreational access and protect natural resources within the Edinburgh and Corinth Conservation Easement Tracts in Saratoga County. The public comment period is open until June 10, 2022. 

"DEC's goal is to protect the natural resources of the Edinburgh and Corinth Conservation Easement Tracts, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike, and ensure these lands are an asset to their communities and benefit local economies,” said Regional Director Joe Zalewski.  

The draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) applies to the combined 13,730 acres of the Edinburgh and Corinth Conservation Easement Tracts, owned by Lyme Adirondack Timberlands II and Lyme Timber Company. The recreation rights in the draft RMP include snowmobile trails and non-motorized access to the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower.  

The following management actions are proposed in the draft RMP: 

• Snowmobile Trails: 22 miles of snowmobile trails exist on the easement tracts as allowed in the 2009 Interim RMP. The draft RMP allows for the continued maintenance of the popular snowmobile trail system as a network connecting a large area between Great Sacandaga Lake and the towns of Greenfield and Corinth. The trail providing access to the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower, ending at the State land boundary 0.1 miles away from the fire tower, will remain open to the public. 

• Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Access: The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower is located on a 2.5-acre parcel of Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and can be accessed via a trail on the Corinth tract. The draft RMP proposes the foot trail remain closed during big game hunting season, as was previously negotiated in a Cooperative Agreement with the landowner.